Yes. Even brand-new homes can have hidden defects—sometimes major ones. A thorough inspection with tools like thermal imaging and a ZipLevel foundation altimeter can reveal water leaks, insulation gaps, or early foundation concerns. A foundation elevation survey is essential because you can’t judge a slab by sight alone—it must be measured. Skipping this step is like buying blind.

This inspection is completed just before your final walkthrough with the builder. It covers structure, foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and safety systems. Advanced checks like infrared thermal imaging, moisture intrusion testing, and a foundation elevation survey drawing help document conditions before closing.

There isn’t one builder that’s always “the best.” We’ve seen good and bad work from every major builder. Quality often depends on the subcontractors and the superintendent managing your home. Your best protection is hiring a third-party inspector who works only for you to document issues before closing.

An 11-month inspection is performed before your one-year builder warranty expires. It documents defects that may appear after move-in—roof leaks, plumbing issues, or foundation movement. A foundation elevation survey is critical for warranty claims because slab changes aren’t reliable by “feel” alone—they must be measured and recorded.

No. Municipal inspections focus on minimum code compliance and may not evaluate workmanship, insulation quality, or cosmetic and functional details that affect daily living. A private new-construction inspection is more comprehensive and focused on your interests.

A foundation elevation survey records precise floor measurements throughout the home to establish how level the slab is at move-in and to create a baseline for future comparison. In Fort Bend County’s expansive clay soils, this data is the only reliable way to track performance and support warranty requests if movement occurs.

Not necessarily. New homes are built faster and in larger numbers, which can lead to mistakes—but many benefit from modern materials and energy-efficient practices. Every builder has strong and weak projects. A professional, third-party inspection documents what matters before you take ownership.

Blue tape is used to mark cosmetic items—paint touch-ups, drywall flaws, trim gaps—so they’re addressed before closing. Having an inspector guide this helps ensure small issues are captured alongside bigger concerns involving structure, mechanicals, or moisture.

Schedule when construction is substantially complete—utilities active and systems operable—ideally 2–5 days before your final walkthrough. That window gives your builder time to address documented items before closing.

You could inherit hidden issues—moisture intrusion, missing insulation, miswired circuits, or early foundation movement—that become your responsibility after closing. New construction inspections are just as important as resale inspections, and often more critical because the most serious problems are frequently hidden. Prefer to lock in a time now? Check Price & Schedule